Project Overview
\nDespite the recent resurgence of interest in the philosophy of Simone \;Weil\, there has been no determined effort to examine the full scope of her engagement with the Ancient Greek world. Weil is well known for her reading of Homer&rsquo\;s Iliad as a &lsquo\;poem of force&rsquo\; (or might)\, and for her &lsquo\;unorthodox&rsquo\; interpretations of Plato and Pythagorean thought. However\, her dialogue with the Greek Antiquity extends far beyond these classical essays\; Ancient Greek literature\, philosophy\, religion\, and political thought play a significant role in her spiritual\, sociological\, philosophical\, and political encounters. Hence\, Antiquity is not merely one subject among many in Weil&rsquo\;s oeuvre\, but a recurring and enduring concept through which she interprets the problem force\, the issue of social justice\, and develops other important concepts (such as affliction\, freedom\, truth\, and the relationship between the human and the divine).
\nThe ultimate objective of this volume is to offer a guide to the reception\, interpretation\, and conceptual application of classical Antiquity across Weil&rsquo\;s entire body of work. By framing Antiquity not merely as a subject of literary commentary\, but as a vital lens through which Weil approached modern crises (such as violence\, total war\, uprootedness\, labor\, and affliction)\, this Companion will bridge Classical Reception\, Continental Philosophy\, and Political Theology.
\nExisting Scholarship
\nStudies Weil&rsquo\;s engagement with Iliad\, Plato\, Pythagoreanism (and so on)
\nPlaces Homer\, Plato\, Pythagorean philosophy (and so on) alongside her other ancient sources
\nOften focuses on one period\, author\, text\, or theme
\nThe proposed Companion
\nSynthesises the material by engaging with different classical authors (as approached by Weil)
\nTreats Greek Antiquity as one aspect of Weil's thought
\nMakes her relationship with Greek Antiquity the main organizing subject
\nThematic Axes and Suggested Topics
\nWe welcome contributions that explore both Weil&rsquo\;s specific textual/philosophical engagements and her broader thematic reliance on Antiquity. Suggested topics include\, but are not limited to:
\n● \; \; \; \; Philosophical and Theological Reception: Weil&rsquo\;s engagement with Plato\, Pythagoreanism\, Stoicism\, Presocratic thought\, Thucydides\, and the relationship between Greek literature and her Christian grace/transcendence.
\n● \; \; \; \; Literary and Tragic Reception: Readings of Homer\, Aeschylus\, Sophocles\, and the concept of tragic affliction (malheur).
\n● \; \; \; \; Comparative Political Theology: Weil and Eastern Orthodox traditions\; Weil and Islamic/Indian/Hebrew theological debates.
\n● \; \; \; \; Political and Ethical Concepts: How Ancient models shaped her understanding of force\, justice\, labor\, community\, rootedness\, and decree/necessity (né\;cessité\;).
\n● \; \; \; \; Antiquity and Contemporary Debates: Weil&rsquo\;s deployment of Ancient concepts to diagnose 20th-century political crises: totalitarianism\, colonialism\, religious fundamentalism\, technology and Artificial Intelligence\, International Relations\, debates on war and humanitarian interventions\, realism and political liberalism.
\n● \; \; \; \; Reception History: Weil&rsquo\;s place within 20th-century classical reception\, comparing her approach with contemporaries (e.g.\, Leo Strauss\, Hannah Arendt\, Rachel Bespaloff).
\nSubmission and Volume Guidelines
\nSubmissions: Interested contributors are invited to send a brief idea and a summary of their biography to Michail Theodosiadis: mtheo@uoa.gr / mtheo@aigis-initiative.org.
\nDeadline for the Submission of Ideas: December 10\, 2026
\nAcceptance notification: January 10\, 2027
\nFinal Chapter Length: 6\,000&ndash\;10\,000 words (inclusive of notes and bibliography).
\nExpected Manuscript Submission: Late 2027 (to be confirmed upon contract approval)
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